Impact of body mass index on size and composition of urinary stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background Several studies have explored the impact of BMI on size and composition of urinary stones. Because there were controversies, a meta-analysis was necessary to be carried out to provide some evidence of the relationship of BMI and urolithiasis. Materials and Methods PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science databases, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to August 12th 2022 for eligible studies. The urolithiasis patients were summarized into two groups: BMI < 25 and ≥ 25 kg/m2. Summary weighted mean difference (WMD), relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated through random effects models in RevMan 5.4 software. Results A total of fifteen studies involving 13,233 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. There was no significant correlation of BMI and size of urinary stone (WMD -0.13mm, 95% CI [-0.98, 0.73], p = 0.77). Overweight and obesity increased the risk of uric acid stones in both genders and in different regions (RR=0.87, [95% CI] = 0.83, 0.91, p<0.00001). There was a higher risk of calcium oxalate stones formation in overweight and obesity group in total patients (RR=0.95, [95% CI] = 0.91, 0.98, p = 0.006). The relationship of BMI and calcium phosphate was not observed in this meta-analysis (RR=1.12, [95% CI] = 0.98, 1.26, p = 0.09). Sensitivity analysis was performed and indicated similar results. Conclusions The current evidence suggests a positive association between BMI and uric acid and calcium oxalate stones. It would be of great guiding significance to consider losing weight when treating and preventing urinary stones.

Instant polarized light microscopy pi (IPOLπ) for quantitative imaging of collagen architecture and dynamics in ocular tissues.

Collagen architecture determines the biomechanical environment in the eye, and thus characterizing collagen fiber organization and biomechanics is essential to fully understand eye physiology and pathology. We recently introduced instant polarized light microscopy (IPOL) that encodes optically information about fiber orientation and retardance through a color snapshot. Although IPOL allows imaging collagen at the full acquisition speed of the camera, with excellent spatial and angular resolutions, a limitation is that the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 90 degrees (π/2 radians). In consequence, two orthogonal fibers have the same color and therefore the same orientation when quantified by color-angle mapping. In this study, we demonstrate IPOLπ, a new variation of IPOL, in which the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 180 degrees (π radians). Herein we present the fundamentals of IPOLπ, including a framework based on a Mueller-matrix formalism to characterize how fiber orientation and retardance determine the color. The improved quantitative capability of IPOLπ enables further study of essential biomechanical properties of collagen in ocular tissues, such as fiber anisotropy and crimp. We present a series of experimental calibrations and quantitative procedures to visualize and quantify ocular collagen orientation and microstructure in the optic nerve head, a region in the back of the eye. There are four important strengths of IPOLπ compared to IPOL. First, IPOLπ can distinguish the orientations of orthogonal collagen fibers via colors, whereas IPOL cannot. Second, IPOLπ requires a lower exposure time than IPOL, thus allowing faster imaging speed. Third, IPOLπ allows visualizing non-birefringent tissues and backgrounds from tissue absorption, whereas both appear dark in IPOL images. Fourth, IPOLπ is cheaper and less sensitive to imperfectly collimated light than IPOL. Altogether, the high spatial, angular, and temporal resolutions of IPOLπ enable a deeper insight into ocular biomechanics and eye physiology and pathology.

Impact of body mass index on size and composition of urinary stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have explored the impact of BMI on size and composition of urinary stones. Because there were controversies, a meta-analysis was necessary to be carried out to provide some evidence of the relationship of BMI and urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science databases, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to August 12th 2022 for eligible studies. The urolithiasis patients were summarized into two groups: BMI < 25 and ≥ 25 kg/m2. Summary weighted mean difference (WMD), relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated through random effects models in RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: A total of fifteen studies involving 13,233 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. There was no significant correlation of BMI and size of urinary stone (WMD -0.13mm, 95% CI [-0.98, 0.73], p = 0.77). Overweight and obesity increased the risk of uric acid stones in both genders and in different regions (RR=0.87, [95% CI] = 0.83, 0.91, p<0.00001). There was a higher risk of calcium oxalate stones formation in overweight and obesity group in total patients (RR=0.95, [95% CI] = 0.91, 0.98, p = 0.006). The relationship of BMI and calcium phosphate was not observed in this meta-analysis (RR=1.12, [95% CI] = 0.98, 1.26, p = 0.09). Sensitivity analysis was performed and indicated similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence suggests a positive association between BMI and uric acid and calcium oxalate stones. It would be of great guiding significance to consider losing weight when treating and preventing urinary stones.

Effects of somatostatin in combination with early hemoperfusion on inflammatory, hemorheological and oxidative parameters during the treatment of acute pancreatitis / Efectos de la somatostatina en combinación con hemoperfusión precoz sobre parámetros inflamatorios, hemorreológicos y oxidativos durante el tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda

Abstract We aimed to evaluate the effects of somatostatin combined with early hemoperfusion on inflammatory and stress responses during acute pancreatitis (AP) treatment. A total of 159 AP patients treated from September 2016 to January 2020 were randomly divided into three groups A-C (n=53). In addition to routine treatment, groups A-C were additionally given somatostatin, early hemoperfusion, and somatostatin combined with early hemoperfusion, respectively. Their inflammatory factors, stress response, intestinal mucosal barrier, hemorheological indices, recovery time, length of stay, clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions were compared. The levels of serum interleukin-10 (IL - 10), catalase and glutathione peroxidase rose in the three groups after ten days of treatment, compared with values before treatment, being the highest rise in group C. The levels of IL -18, tumor necrosis factor-α, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, procalcitonin, high mobility group protein B1, lipid hydrogen peroxide, advanced oxidation protein products, epinephrine, cortisol, D-lactic acid, diamine oxidase, and endotoxin decreased after ten days of treatment compared with those before treatment, which were lowest in group C (P<0.05). After ten days of treatment, the levels of hemorheological indices were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). Compared with groups A and B, group C had a shorter recovery time of urine amylase, bowel sound and passing gas, remission time of abdominal pain, length of stay, and a higher total response rate (P<0.05). During AP treatment, somatostatin combined with early hemoperfusion effectively relieved inflammatory and stress responses, protected the intestinal mucosal barrier function and improved the hemorheology, thereby promoting the recovery and benefiting the prognosis of patients.

Resumen Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar los efectos de la somatostatina combinada con hemoperfusión temprana sobre las respuestas inflamatorias y de estrés durante el tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda (PA). Un total de 159 pacientes con PA tratados entre septiembre de 2016 y enero de 2020 se dividieron aleatoriamente en tres grupos A-C (n=53). Con base en el tratamiento de rutina, los grupos A-C recibieron además somatostatina, hemoperfusión temprana y somatostatina combinada con hemoperfusión temprana, respectivamente. Se compararon sus factores inflamatorios, respuesta al estrés, barrera de la mucosa intestinal, índices hemorreológicos, tiempo de recuperación, tiempo de estancia, eficacia clínica y reacciones adversas. Los niveles séricos de interleucina-10 (IL -10), catalasa y glutatión peroxidasa aumentaron en los tres grupos después de 10 días de tratamiento, comparados con los valores antes del tratamiento, siendo más elevados en el grupo C. Los niveles de IL - 18, factor de necrosis tumoral α, molécula de adhesión intercelular 1 soluble, procalcitonina, proteína B1 del grupo de alta movilidad, peróxido de hidrógeno lipídico, los productos proteicos de oxidación avanzada, epinefrina, cortisol, ácido D-láctico, diaminooxidasa y endotoxina disminuyeron después de 10 días de tratamiento en comparación con los previos al tratamiento, que fueron más bajos en el grupo C (P<0,05). Después de 10 días de tratamiento, los índices hemorreológicos fueron significativamente menores que los previos al tratamiento (P<0,05). En comparación con los grupos A y B, el grupo C tuvo un tiempo de recuperación más corto de amilasa en orina, sonido y escape intestinal, tiempo de remisión del dolor abdominal y tiempo de estancia, y una tasa de respuesta total más alta (P<0,05). Durante el tratamiento de la AP, la somatostatina combinada con hemoperfusión precoz alivia eficazmente las respuestas inflamatorias y de estrés, protege la función de la barrera de la mucosa intestinal y mejora la hemorología, favoreciendo la recuperación y beneficiando el pronóstico de los pacientes.

Instant polarized light microscopy pi (IPOLπ) for quantitative imaging of collagen architecture and dynamics in ocular tissues.

Collagen architecture determines the biomechanical environment in the eye, and thus characterizing collagen fiber organization and biomechanics is essential to fully understand eye physiology and pathology. We recently introduced instant polarized light microscopy (IPOL) that encodes optically information about fiber orientation and retardance through a color snapshot. Although IPOL allows imaging collagen at the full acquisition speed of the camera, with excellent spatial and angular resolutions, a limitation is that the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 90 degrees (π/2 radians). In consequence, two orthogonal fibers have the same color and therefore the same orientation when quantified by color-angle mapping. In this study, we demonstrate IPOLπ, a new variation of IPOL, in which the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 180 degrees (π radians). Herein we present the fundamentals of IPOLπ, including a framework based on a Mueller-matrix formalism to characterize how fiber orientation and retardance determine the color. The improved quantitative capability of IPOLπ enables further study of essential biomechanical properties of collagen in ocular tissues, such as fiber anisotropy and crimp. We present a series of experimental calibrations and quantitative procedures to visualize and quantify ocular collagen orientation and microstructure in the optic nerve head, a region in the back of the eye. There are four important strengths of IPOLπ compared to IPOL. First, IPOLπ can distinguish the orientations of orthogonal collagen fibers via colors, whereas IPOL cannot. Second, IPOLπ requires a lower exposure time than IPOL, thus allowing faster imaging speed. Third, IPOLπ allows visualizing non-birefringent tissues and backgrounds from tissue absorption, whereas both appear dark in IPOL images. Fourth, IPOLπ is cheaper and less sensitive to imperfectly collimated light than IPOL. Altogether, the high spatial, angular, and temporal resolutions of IPOLπ enable a deeper insight into ocular biomechanics and eye physiology and pathology.

Characteristics of the means and methods used in soccer training / Características dos meios e métodos utilizados no treinamento de futebol / Características de los medios y métodos utilizados en el entrenamiento de fútbol

ABSTRACT Introduction The correct understanding and implementation of the tasks set by the coach for the player are achieved through a wide variety of training sessions. To date, the question of training effectiveness and the preparation of professional soccer players for matches has not been sufficiently studied. Objective Study the means and methods used in soccer training. By comparison, find out which method is most effective in achieving a positive result during the game and maintaining the players' health. Methods The study used mathematical and physical methods and comparative analysis. In the study, the main training methods in a team were considered. A comparative analysis was made between two types of individual soccer players' training to improve physical and technical parameters. Result We established which parameters influence the choice of the training scheme. The effectiveness of both training systems is proven by the statistical indicators of soccer players who train according to these methods. Conclusion The effectiveness of the training methodology chosen by a soccer player depends on his initial physical abilities and professional skills. The study's practical significance is determined by the fact that the proposed methods can be used in training professional athletes. Evidence level II; Therapeutic studies - outcomes research.

RESUMO Introdução A correta compreensão e implementação das tarefas definidas pelo treinador para o jogador é alcançada através de uma ampla variedade de sessões de treinamento. Até hoje, a questão da eficácia do treinamento e a preparação dos jogadores profissionais de futebol para os jogos não foi suficientemente estudada. Objetivo Estudar os meios e métodos utilizados no treinamento de futebol e, por comparação, descobrir qual dos métodos é mais eficaz para obter um resultado positivo durante o jogo e manter a saúde dos jogadores. Métodos O estudo utilizou métodos matemáticos e físicos, assim como análise comparativa. No decorrer do estudo, foram considerados os principais métodos de treinamento em uma equipe. Foi realizada uma análise comparativa entre dois tipos de treinamento individual de jogadores de futebol, objetivando melhorar parâmetros físicos e técnicos. Resultado Foram estabelecidos quais parâmetros influenciam a escolha do esquema de treinamento. A eficácia de ambos os sistemas de treinamento é comprovada pelos indicadores estatísticos dos jogadores de futebol que treinam de acordo com estes métodos. Conclusão A eficácia da metodologia de treinamento escolhida por um jogador de futebol depende de suas habilidades físicas iniciais e habilidades profissionais. O significado prático do estudo é determinado pelo fato de que os métodos propostos podem ser utilizados no treinamento de atletas profissionais. Evidência nível II; Estudos terapêuticos - pesquisa de resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción La correcta comprensión y ejecución de las tareas establecidas por el entrenador para el jugador se consigue a través de una amplia variedad de sesiones de entrenamiento. Hasta hoy, la cuestión de la eficacia del entrenamiento y la preparación de los futbolistas profesionales para los partidos no se ha estudiado suficientemente. Objetivo Estudiar los medios y métodos utilizados en el entrenamiento de fútbol y, por comparación, averiguar qué método es más eficaz para conseguir un resultado positivo durante el juego y mantener la salud de los jugadores. Métodos El estudio utilizó métodos matemáticos y físicos, así como análisis comparativos. En el transcurso del estudio, se consideraron los principales métodos de formación en un equipo. Se realizó un análisis comparativo entre dos tipos de entrenamiento individual de jugadores de fútbol, con el objetivo de mejorar los parámetros físicos y técnicos. Resultado Se estableció qué parámetros influyen en la elección del esquema de entrenamiento. La eficacia de ambos sistemas de entrenamiento queda demostrada por los indicadores estadísticos de los futbolistas que entrenan según estos métodos. Conclusión La eficacia de la metodología de entrenamiento elegida por un futbolista depende de sus capacidades físicas iniciales y de sus habilidades profesionales. La importancia práctica del estudio viene determinada por el hecho de que los métodos propuestos pueden utilizarse en el entrenamiento de atletas profesionales. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados.

Development of monoclonal antibody based IgG and IgM ELISA for diagnosis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection.

INTRODUCTION: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a newly emerged virus that poses a great threat to human health because of high fatality rate. METHODS: To develop sensitive and specific sero-diagnostic systems for SFTSV infections, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against recombinant SFTSV nucleocapsid (rSFTSV-N) protein were developed by immunizing BALB/C mice with rSFTSV-N protein and fusing the spleen cells with SP2/0 myeloma cells. Three hybridoma cell lines secreting MAbs against rSFTSV-N were obtained. MAb based IgG sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IgM capture ELISA systems were established by using the newly developed MAbs. One hundred fifteen clinical suspected SFTS patients serum samples were used to evaluate the newly established systems by comparing with the total antibody detecting sandwich ELISA system and indirect ELISA systems. RESULTS: The MAbs based sandwich IgG ELISA was perfectly matched with that of the total antibody sandwich ELISA and the indirect IgG ELISA. IgM capture ELISA results perfectly matched with that of the total antibody sandwich ELISA while detecting eight additional positive samples missed by the indirect IgM ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: The MAbs against rSFTSV-N protein offer new tools for SFTSV studies and our newly developed MAb-based IgG and IgM capture ELISA systems would offer safe and useful tools for diagnosis of SFTS virus infections and epidemiological investigations.

Development of monoclonal antibody based IgG and IgM ELISA for diagnosis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection

ABSTRACT Introduction: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a newly emerged virus that poses a great threat to human health because of high fatality rate. Methods: To develop sensitive and specific sero-diagnostic systems for SFTSV infections, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against recombinant SFTSV nucleocapsid (rSFTSV-N) protein were developed by immunizing BALB/C mice with rSFTSV-N protein and fusing the spleen cells with SP2/0 myeloma cells. Three hybridoma cell lines secreting MAbs against rSFTSV-N were obtained. MAb based IgG sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IgM capture ELISA systems were established by using the newly developed MAbs. One hundred fifteen clinical suspected SFTS patients serum samples were used to evaluate the newly established systems by comparing with the total antibody detecting sandwich ELISA system and indirect ELISA systems. Results: The MAbs based sandwich IgG ELISA was perfectly matched with that of the total antibody sandwich ELISA and the indirect IgG ELISA. IgM capture ELISA results perfectly matched with that of the total antibody sandwich ELISA while detecting eight additional positive samples missed by the indirect IgM ELISA. Conclusions: The MAbs against rSFTSV-N protein offer new tools for SFTSV studies and our newly developed MAb-based IgG and IgM capture ELISA systems would offer safe and useful tools for diagnosis of SFTS virus infections and epidemiological investigations.

Soil quality assessment of different Hevea brasiliensis plantations in tropical China.

Land degradation is a global problem caused by improper agricultural practices. In tropical China, the rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations are predominantly practiced on forest-cleared lands, considering their sustainable land management potential compared to annual cropping. However, all rubber plantations may not have similar land management capacity. Soil quality index (SQI) can reveal the overall soil status with a single score, which is an efficient tool to evaluate the soil quality of each category of rubber plantations. We investigated 23 soil physical and chemical parameters of three categories of rubber plantations and a primary rainforest, and derived SQI based on these parameters. Soil samples were collected from a rubber monoculture (RM), a rubber-Camellia sinensis agroforestry (RT), a rubber-Dracaena cochinchinensis agroforestry (RD), and a primary rainforest (RF). The results showed that the SQI value of the RM decreased by 15.50% compared to the RF, with a significant degree of soil nutrient loss (18.90%). This indicates that monocultural rubber cultivation is causing land degradation to some extent. However, the SQI was significantly enhanced by rubber-based agroforestry practices (25.30% by RT and 33.10% by RD) compared to the RM, suggesting that polyculture practices are suitable to recover the soil quality in degraded agricultural lands. Moreover, the chemical parameters contributed more to the SQI than did the physical parameters, indicating that nutrient management is important in soil quality recovery. Overall, our results suggest that agroforestry should be preferred over monoculture in the rubber plantations for sustainable land management in tropical China.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in Jiangsu, China.

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic parasite that causes diarrhea in a broad range of animals, including deer. Little is known about the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in Père David's deer. In this study, 137 fecal samples from Père David's deer were collected between July 2017 and August 2018 in the Dafeng Reserve and analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp. by nested-PCR based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, followed by sequence analyses to determine the species. The 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was used to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. Among 137 samples, 2 (1.46%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. according to SSU rRNA gene sequencing results. Both samples belonged to the Cryptosporidium deer genotype, with two nucleotide deletions and one nucleotide substitution. The prevalence data and molecular characterization of this study provide basic knowledge for controlling and preventing Cryptosporidium infections in Père David's deer in this area.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Père Davids deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in Jiangsu, China / Prevalência e caracterização molecular de Cryptosporidium spp. no cervo de Père David (Elaphurus davidianus) em Jiangsu, China

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic parasite that causes diarrhea in a broad range of animals, including deer. Little is known about the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in Père Davids deer. In this study, 137 fecal samples from Père Davids deer were collected between July 2017 and August 2018 in the Dafeng Reserve and analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp. by nested-PCR based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, followed by sequence analyses to determine the species. The 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was used to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. Among 137 samples, 2 (1.46%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. according to SSU rRNA gene sequencing results. Both samples belonged to the Cryptosporidium deer genotype, with two nucleotide deletions and one nucleotide substitution. The prevalence data and molecular characterization of this study provide basic knowledge for controlling and preventing Cryptosporidium infections in Père Davids deer in this area.(AU)

Cryptosporidium é um parasita zoonótico que causa diarreia em uma ampla gama de animais, incluindo veados. Pouco se sabe sobre a prevalência e o genótipo de Cryptosporidium spp. no cervo de Père David. Neste estudo, 137 amostras fecais do cervo de Père David foram coletadas entre julho de 2017 e agosto de 2018, na Reserva Dafeng, e analisadas para Cryptosporidium spp. por nested-PCR baseado no gene do RNA ribossômico da subunidade pequena (SSU rRNA), seguido de análises de sequências para determinar as espécies. O gene da glicoproteína de 60 kDa (gp60) foi utilizado para caracterizar Cryptosporidium spp. Dentre as 137 amostras, 2 (1,46%) foram positivas para Cryptosporidium spp. de acordo com os resultados do sequenciamento gênico de SSU rRNA. Ambas as amostras pertenciam ao genótipo do cervo Cryptosporidium, com duas deleções nucleotídicas e uma substituição nucleotídica. Os dados de prevalência e a caracterização molecular deste estudo fornecem conhecimentos básicos para controlar e prevenir infecções por Cryptosporidium nos cervos de Père David nessa.(AU)

Effect of SiO2 and Al2 O3 nanoparticles on wear resistance of PMMA acrylic denture teeth / Efeito das nanopartículas de SiO2 e Al2 O3 na resistência ao desgaste de dentes em acrílico PMMA para prótese

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a resistência ao desgaste de dentes em acrílico para próteses contendo nanopartículas de dióxido de silício (nano-SiO2 ) e dióxido de alumínio (nanoAl2 O3 ). Material e Métodos: O material em polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) foi utilizado para fabricar 84 amostras (n=10) contendo nano-SiO2 e nano-Al2 O3 nas concentrações 0,1% em peso, 0,3% em peso e 0,5% em peso de pó acrílico. Uma máquina de teste de desgaste de dois corpos e um microscópio digital foram usados para medir as mudanças na perda de peso e rugosidade da superfície, respectivamente. Testes de ANOVA a um fator e testes de comparações múltiplas de Tukey foram utilizados para análise dos dados (α = 0,05). Resultados: O material modificado com nano-SiO2 demonstrou um aumento significativo na perda de peso em comparação com o material acrílico artificial convencional (p ˂ 0,05) enquanto o material modificado com nano-Al2 O3 demonstrou aumento não significativo na perda de peso, exceto no subgrupo 0,5% (p < 0,05). Não há diferenças significativas em relação à alteração da rugosidade após a simulação de desgaste entre todos os grupos testados (p > 0,05). Conclusão: As nanopartículas de nano-Al2 O3 exibem menos efeito negativo que o nanoSiO2 , podendo ser usado com cautela, se necessário. (AU)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the wear resistance of acrylic denture teeth containing silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2 ) and aluminum dioxide (nano-Al2 O3 ) nanoparticles. Material and Methods: Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture tooth material was used to denture tooth material was used to fabricate 84 specimens (n=10) containing nano-SiO2 and nano-Al2 O3 in concentrations 0.1wt%, 0.3wt%, and 0.5wt% of acrylic powder. A two-body wear testing machine and digital microscope were used to measure the changes in weight loss and surface roughness respectively. One-way ANOVA and pair-wise Tukey's post-hoc tests were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Nano-SiO2 modified teeth material demonstrated a significant increase in weight loss in comparison conventional artificial acrylic teeth material (p ˂ 0.05) while nanoAl2 O3 modified teeth material demonstrated non-significant increase in weight loss except for 0.5% subgroup (p ˂ 0.05). There is no significant differences regarding roughness change after wear simulation among all tested groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Nano-Al2 O3 nanoparticles exhibit less negative effect than nano-SiO2 so; it could be used with caution if necessary. (AU)

Virus isolation and genotype identification of human respiratory syncytial virus in Guizhou Province, China

ABSTRACT To investigate the genetic variation and molecular epidemiology characteristics of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) in Guizhou Province, nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from patients with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, from December 2017 to March 2018, and inoculated to Hep-2 cells to isolate HRSV. Cells that showed cytopathic effect (CPE) were then confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay and reverse transcription. The sequence of the PCR products was determined for HRSV isolates, and the genetic variation was analyzed. Out of 196 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, HRSV were isolated in 39. The second hypervariable region at the 3' terminal of glycoprotein gene (HVR2) sequence analysis showed that subgroup A was dominant. Seventy-nine percent of the isolates belonged to subgroup A, ON1 genotype, and 21 % belonged to subgroup B, BA9 genotype, which indicates that the dominant HRSV circulating in Guizhou Province was subgroup A, genotype ON1, co-circulating with a less prevalent subgroup B, genotype BA9.

Virus isolation and genotype identification of human respiratory syncytial virus in Guizhou Province, China.

To investigate the genetic variation and molecular epidemiology characteristics of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) in Guizhou Province, nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from patients with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, from December 2017 to March 2018, and inoculated to Hep-2 cells to isolate HRSV. Cells that showed cytopathic effect (CPE) were then confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay and reverse transcription. The sequence of the PCR products was determined for HRSV isolates, and the genetic variation was analyzed. Out of 196 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples, HRSV were isolated in 39. The second hypervariable region at the 3' terminal of glycoprotein gene (HVR2) sequence analysis showed that subgroup A was dominant. Seventy-nine percent of the isolates belonged to subgroup A, ON1 genotype, and 21 % belonged to subgroup B, BA9 genotype, which indicates that the dominant HRSV circulating in Guizhou Province was subgroup A, genotype ON1, co-circulating with a less prevalent subgroup B, genotype BA9.

Association between tumor necrosis factor polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis as well as systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays an important role in autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have investigated the association of TNF-α-238G/A (rs361525) and -308G/A (rs1800629) polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, no agreed conclusion had been made. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the associations of TNF-α-238G/A and -308G/A polymorphisms with RA and SLE risk. A systematic search was conducted in commonly used databases. Meta-analysis was performed by STATA12.0. A total of 43 studies were included. In the overall population, the TNF-α-238A allele was observed to be a protective factor for RA (A vs G: OR=0.75, 95%CI=0.57-0.99, P=0.040) and the TNF-α-308A allele was found to be a risk factor for SLE (A vs G: OR=1.78, 95%CI=1.45-2.19, P<0.001). However, no evidence of association was found between TNF-α-238 G/A polymorphism and SLE nor between -308G/A and RA. In the subgroup analysis, TNF-α-308A allele played a pathogenic role for RA in Latin Americans (A vs G: OR=1.46, 95%CI=1.15-1.84, P=0.002) and for SLE in Latin Americans (A vs G: OR=2.12, 95%CI=1.32-3.41, P=0.002) and Europeans (A vs G: OR=2.03, 95%CI=1.56-2.63, P<0.001), while it played a protective role for RA in Asians (A vs G: OR=0.54, 95%CI=0.32-0.90, P=0.017). No significant association was found between TNF-α-308G/A and SLE susceptibility in Africans and Asians. This meta-analysis demonstrated that TNF-α-238A was associated with decreased risk of RA rather than SLE, while -308G/A polymorphism was associated with SLE rather than RA. Stratification analysis indicated that different ethnicities would have different risk alleles.

Association between tumor necrosis factor polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis as well as systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays an important role in autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have investigated the association of TNF-α-238G/A (rs361525) and -308G/A (rs1800629) polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, no agreed conclusion had been made. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the associations of TNF-α-238G/A and -308G/A polymorphisms with RA and SLE risk. A systematic search was conducted in commonly used databases. Meta-analysis was performed by STATA12.0. A total of 43 studies were included. In the overall population, the TNF-α-238A allele was observed to be a protective factor for RA (A vs G: OR=0.75, 95%CI=0.57-0.99, P=0.040) and the TNF-α-308A allele was found to be a risk factor for SLE (A vs G: OR=1.78, 95%CI=1.45-2.19, P<0.001). However, no evidence of association was found between TNF-α-238 G/A polymorphism and SLE nor between -308G/A and RA. In the subgroup analysis, TNF-α-308A allele played a pathogenic role for RA in Latin Americans (A vs G: OR=1.46, 95%CI=1.15-1.84, P=0.002) and for SLE in Latin Americans (A vs G: OR=2.12, 95%CI=1.32-3.41, P=0.002) and Europeans (A vs G: OR=2.03, 95%CI=1.56-2.63, P<0.001), while it played a protective role for RA in Asians (A vs G: OR=0.54, 95%CI=0.32-0.90, P=0.017). No significant association was found between TNF-α-308G/A and SLE susceptibility in Africans and Asians. This meta-analysis demonstrated that TNF-α-238A was associated with decreased risk of RA rather than SLE, while -308G/A polymorphism was associated with SLE rather than RA. Stratification analysis indicated that different ethnicities would have different risk alleles.

Supplementary opinions on alternative cooling technologies in hot climate.

Some supplementary opinions on alternative cooling technologies for hot climate were presented to contribute towards the comprehensiveness of the review paper reported by Lundgren-Kownacki et al. (Int J Biometeorol 62:401-12, 2018).

Direct calciothermic reduction of porous calcium titanate to porous titanium.

A metallurgical material integration concept, using porous calcium titanate (CaTiO3) as raw material, was put forward for preparation of metallic titanium powder and porous titanium by calciothermic reduction. Porous metallic titanium was prepared by calcium vapor reduction at 1273 K for 6 h with two types of interconnected pores in titanium samples. The interconnected macropores about 50-300 µm were inherited from porous CaTiO3, and the micropores about 5-40 µm were made by leaching removal of byproduct CaO in reduction products. Metallic porous titanium was fabricated in Ca-dissolved CaO-CaCl2 molten salt mixtures by self-sintering and had a good interconnectivity inside with thickness about 155 µm and the porosities of the porous titanium are 65-81%.

Faster and Riskier? Online Context of Sex Seeking Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China.

BACKGROUND: Many men who have sex with men (MSM) seek sex partners online, creating barriers and opportunities for human immunodeficiency virus prevention. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of MSM and the risks associated with seeking sex through websites, gay apps, and both platforms in China. METHODS: Data were collected through a cross-sectional online survey from September through October 2014 from 3 large gay Web portals. Sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, and online sex seeking behaviors were measured. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to compare sexual risk behaviors among website users, gay app users, and men who used both platforms. RESULTS: Of the 1201 participants, 377 (31.4%) were website-only users, 487 (40.5%) were gay app-only users, and 337 (28.0%) were men who used both platforms. These 3 MSM subgroups have distinct sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, 57.6% of participants reported having engaged in condomless anal sex with their last male partner in the past 6 months, but there was no significant difference in condomless sex between the 3 groups. Men who used both platforms viewed more sexually transmitted disease-related messages than website-only users (adjusted odds ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-3.05). CONCLUSIONS: Condom usage behaviors were unaffected by the medium through which sexual partners were found. However, the high frequency of condomless sex suggests that websites and gay apps are both risk environments. This study suggests using multiple platforms for human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted disease social media interventions may be useful.

The epidemiology and clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in neonates

Abstract Objectives This retrospective study was aimed to explore the epidemiological and clinical profiles of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in neonates. Methods From 2011 to 2014, 1322 hospitalized neonates with lower respiratory tract infections were screened for Mycoplasma pneumoniae by detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies using Serion ELISA classic Mycoplasma pneumoniae kits. Results Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified in 89 (6.7%) patients. The age ranged from 1 day to 28 days with a median of 22 days. The male to female ratio was 1.15:1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection peaked in spring (from March through May) and winter (from December through February). Compared with non-Mycoplasma pneumoniae infected neonates, those with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were older, presented fever more frequently, and had less tachypnea. Conclusions Mycoplasma pneumoniae could be an important etiologic agent for respiratory tract infection in neonates. In neonates Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was usually associated with older age, presence of fever, and less tachypnea. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in neonates tends to be a mild process.